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en-usCopyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/games-of-a-lifetime-xavs-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/games-of-a-lifetime-xavs-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/games-of-a-lifetime-xavs-picks/#commentsAfter more than ten years devoted to video games and the people who make them, Joystiq is closing its doors. We won't be reporting on the best games of 2015, so join us for one last hurrah as the Joystiq family reveals their Games of a Lifetime.

Chrono TriggerIn my recent Joystiq Presents episode I talked about the profound impact the strategy guide of Chrono Trigger had on my love of games. Being able to finally play the game, just thinking of the first time I had that chance, still gets me a little choked up.

It still stands as my favorite game of all time. I've played it a countless amount of times on so many platforms. It has wonderful characters, a story about fighting fate and shaping the world. I don't know if was supposed to be so "heady," but I think of it that way. It was meaningful, it showed the consequences of action, it had a talking Frog and a badass Robot.

BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition is available today on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms for $40. This version includes the core skyhook swinging adventure, along with all the game's add-on content. Yup, even the Burial at Sea adventures.

Although publisher 2K previously mentioned a PC version, that does not seem to be the case anymore. No biggie, since the game and all of its content will be like $5 during the upcoming holiday Steam sale. We've listed all the content for BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 04 Nov 2014 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/bioshock-infinite-complete-confirmed-for-nov-4-mostly/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/bioshock-infinite-complete-confirmed-for-nov-4-mostly/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/bioshock-infinite-complete-confirmed-for-nov-4-mostly/#commentsBioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition is due out on November 4 for Xbox 360 and PS3, Take-Two's second quarter 2015 financial report confirms, but there's no mention of a PC launch date. Previously, 2K said BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition would be out for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC "later this year." We've reached out to 2K for clarification on the PC release.

Retailer listings for BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition say the bundle features all of the game's DLC packs, including the Clash in the Clouds arena combat mode, and prices it at $40.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitebioshock-infinite-the-complete-editionIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxThu, 30 Oct 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/bioshock-infinite-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/bioshock-infinite-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/bioshock-infinite-complete-edition/#commentsUpdate: A 2K spokesperson confirmed to IGN that BioShock Infinite Complete Edition is on the way. The spokeperson said, "We can confirm that the BioShock Infinite Complete Edition is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, and PC later this year, and we will be sharing more information about it very soon."

BioShock Infinite may rise again in a new Complete Edition, going by listings on GameStop and Amazon Canada. Both retailers have the re-packaged edition of Irrational's game for Xbox 360 and PS3, priced $40 (US & CND) and due for release on November 4. 2K has not announced any new versions of BioShock Infinite, so we've reached out to the publisher for clarification.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K2K-Gamesamazonbioshock-infinitegamestopIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 22 Sep 2014 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/xbox-live-deals-with-gold-wolfenstein-bioshock-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/xbox-live-deals-with-gold-wolfenstein-bioshock-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/15/xbox-live-deals-with-gold-wolfenstein-bioshock-series/#comments
Those that missed out on the final day of the Xbox 360 Ultimate Games Sale yesterday have more deals to look forward to this week on Xbox Live. Both paid and free Xbox Live subscribers can enjoy a 33 percent discount on Wolfenstein: The New Order for Xbox One as well as four XBLA games for Xbox 360 at half price: Quake Arena, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom and Doom 2. Each of these deals are good from July 17 to July 20 only.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-2bioshock-infinitedeals-with-goldDoomDoom-2games-on-demandmicrosoftplants-vs-zombies-garden-warfareQuake-ArenaQuake-Arena-Arcadesalewolfenstein-3dwolfenstein-the-new-orderXBLAxboxXbox-Livexbox-oneTue, 15 Jul 2014 13:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/14/xbox-360-deals-bioshock-infinite-modern-warfare-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/14/xbox-360-deals-bioshock-infinite-modern-warfare-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/14/xbox-360-deals-bioshock-infinite-modern-warfare-3/#comments
Today is the final day of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Ultimate Games Sale, and it's going out with a bang, a burst of speed and an "Ode to Joy." First, the bang: BioShock Infinite is 67 percent off ($9.89 / £6.59 / €9.89) today on Xbox Live, joined by Modern Warfare 3 at 60 percent off ($19.99 / £19.99 / €27.99) and Painkiller Hell and Damnation at 80 percent off ($5.99 / £4.99 / €5.99).

Two racing games are discounted through Xbox Live today: NASCAR 14 and Split Second. Eutechnyx's NASCAR 14 is 58 percent off ($20.99) and Split Second is 75 percent off ($4.99 / £2.99 / €3.74). The best way for the Xbox 360 Ultimate Games Sale to close is with an Ode to Joy provided by Peggle 2, the lone discounted XBLA game in today's sale. PopCap's popular peg-destroying game is half-off today ($11.99 / £9.99 / €9.99). Remember, the final day's sales are joined by other ongoing deals, which also expire at the end of the day.

While Red Dead Redemption writer Christian Cantamessa and BioShock Infinite voice actor Troy Baker discuss how Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is both an original tale and faithful to J.R.R. Tolkien's immense canon, a familiar, gangly, wide-eyed figure peers into the camera like a paranoid bushbaby.

All bundle buyers receive copies of 2K's undersea FPS BioShock, comic book-based action game The Darkness 2, and alternate-history shooter The Bureau: XCOM Declassified. Purchases that exceed the bundle's average purchase price will also receive BioShock 2, Mafia 2 and Spec Ops: The Line, and customers who pay $20 or more will get bonus copies of BioShock Infinite and XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

A buyer-chosen portion of proceeds benefits the American Red Cross and Action Against Hunger charities. The Humble 2K Bundle will be available through July 22.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-2bioshock-infinitehumble-2k-bundlehumble-bundlelinuxmacmafia-2pcspec-ops-the-linethe-bureau-xcom-declassifiedthe-darkness-2xcom-enemy-unknownTue, 08 Jul 2014 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/08/in-a-parallel-universe-bioshock-vita-is-a-tactics-game-thats-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/08/in-a-parallel-universe-bioshock-vita-is-a-tactics-game-thats-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/08/in-a-parallel-universe-bioshock-vita-is-a-tactics-game-thats-r/#comments
Ken Levine stoked laments for what could have been when he took to Twitter last night to discuss the now-fabled BioShock Vita game. When asked what he had in mind for his pet project that never got off the ground, the Irrational Games president said, "I was thinking a Final Fantasy Tactics-style thing set in a pre-fall Rapture."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshockbioshock-infinitebioshock-vitaIrrational-GamesKen-Levineplaystationplaystation-vitaTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivevitaTue, 08 Jul 2014 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/fox-news-defends-columbia-with-bioshock-infinite-style-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/fox-news-defends-columbia-with-bioshock-infinite-style-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/03/fox-news-defends-columbia-with-bioshock-infinite-style-logo/#comments
Usually we'd leave the media commentary to Jon Stewart, but The Daily Show is on summer vacation this week, so here we go - Fox News used a logo for its "Defending the Homeland" segment that looks eerily similar to the name plate for BioShock Infinite, right down to the stars.

The joke, of course, lies in the fact that BioShock Infinite and its overly patriotic imagery is a play on supremacists with money, power and religious zeal building a pristine city in the clouds that ends up feeding on ignorance and hate - a kind of story that Fox News would report with smiles on their faces and Pilgrim Rocket tickets in their hands.

BioShock creator Ken Levine addressed the logo on Facebook and Twitter, first saying, "Glad to help, Fox. Glad to help." He responded to a copyright question with a simple, "It's irony." Besides, filing a copyright claim against Fox would begin a long, tedious legal battle, and really, who needs the justice system?

While this does not necessarily mean that the BioShock movie has entered production, it should be mentioned that this isn't the first time we've heard about this project in recent months. An IGN report from March 13 claims that Courtnee Draper, the actress who lent her voice to BioShock Infinite heroine Elizabeth, has been badgering BioShock maestro Ken Levine for the same role in the event of a movie adaptation.

This is especially intriguing, given that Levine claims to have killed the BioShock production that Universal Studios was attempting to mount with Gore Verbinski in the director's chair. If Levine is still kicking around the idea to the extent that he's discussing the movie with a potential lead actress, maybe he hasn't entirely turned his back on the idea.

Our attempts to reach BioShock publisher 2K Games for more information were met with a boilerplate "no comment."

Bioshock Infinite regularly played with the idea of splicing together different decades, resulting in cool hybrids like a floating city of classic American architecture, and alternate-dimension takes of classic songs. The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" served as a dose of waveform-delivered culture shock in our initial moments with Columbia, translating the melody into a quartet group performance. Infinite's Burial At Sea DLC plays with music creation as well, but the efforts highlighted in this post from Irrational are less about covers and more about original takes.

Community Manager "IG.J" posted three full songs from Burial At Sea Episodes One and Two, providing the story of how each song came to be and which musical styles the songs drew influence from. Among the selections is a promotional jingle for the Old Man Winter plasmid, pitching the substance's necessity like an old-time radio ad would.

You can listen to the full takes of each song in Irrational's post, or you can allow Infinite's cover of Fortunate Son to transport you back to the war-torn streets of Columbia.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-infiniteburial-at-seacolumbiadlcirrational-gamesmusicSat, 29 Mar 2014 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-two-review-forget-pari/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-two-review-forget-pari/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/25/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-two-review-forget-pari/#commentsThis is a review of downloadable content for BioShock Infinite. As such, it may contain spoilers for the main campaign or "Burial at Sea Episode One".

In some alternate universe, in some different timeline, BioShock Infinite's "Burial at Sea" was never split into two parts. I say "parts," and not "halves," because Episode One was, at best, a lackluster introduction. Its return to Andrew Ryan's submerged metropolis of Rapture was disappointing, its promise of noir intrigue petered out too quickly, and all we were left with was slightly different combat and a ham-fisted twist ending that was barely deserving of the term.

It's a shame, then, that the BioShock Infinite creators in our universe chose to serve up Burial at Sea as two complementary products, because Episode Two is much stronger. Had Burial at Sea been released as one cohesive whole, the mediocre opening hours we know as Episode One might have been forgiven. As it stands (in this reality), "Burial at Sea Episode Two" is longer, it delivers a better story with more emotional drive, and its combat feels fresher. Even its obligatory shock ending feels more in line with BioShock's pedigree.

Vince Zampella, CEO and co-founder of Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment, was asked point-blank if the hit shooter would appear on Macs. "We are talking to Aspyr," Zampella tweeted, adding, "they should do it." Aspyr is a company that specializes in porting PC games to the Mac. Its most recent efforts include BioShock Infinite and Borderlands 2.

Mac gamers should be pleased by this news, but shouldn't get their hopes up just yet. Zampella's tweet is far from a confirmation that the game is coming to Mac, and even if things pan out that way, it will take a while for Aspyr to bring Titanfall to Apple's hardware. Aspyr's Borderlands 2 port appeared four months after its PC incarnation, while BioShock Infinite lagged behind its counterpart by half a year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrAspyr-Mediabioshock-infiniteborderlands-2mactitanfallvince-zampellaThu, 13 Mar 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/#comments
Irrational Games, as we knew it, is closing its doors. As its final goodbye, the dev has released a short video featuring former employees discussing its "proudest moments" working on the studio's final project, BioShock Infinite, and the game's final DLC chapter.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 11 Mar 2014 03:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/psn-spring-fever-franchise-deals-include-call-of-duty-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/psn-spring-fever-franchise-deals-include-call-of-duty-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/03/psn-spring-fever-franchise-deals-include-call-of-duty-gta/#comments
If the seven games debuting on PSN this month at discounted rates don't spice up Sony's Spring Fever sale enough for your liking, the sale will also include sales on four different franchises. Games and DLC in the Call of Duty, Need for Speed, BioShock and Grand Theft Auto series are on sale at varying points in March for all PSN users.

The sale spans five games in the Need for Speed series, each down to $9.99 ($5 for PS Plus subscribers) tomorrow through March 10. Those games include Need for Speed: Most Wanted on both PS3 and Vita, Hot Pursuit on PS3, The Run on PS3 and Carbon on PSP and Vita. The Call of Duty series continues on March 11 through March 17 and features a variety of game and DLC bundles for Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops and Black Ops 2. Both Black Ops games can be purchased together for $69.99 ($62.99 on PS Plus) as well as all three Modern Warfare games for $64.99 ($58.49 for PS Plus members).

Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series rolls in next on March 18 with sales lasting through March 24. The sale knocks GTA 5 down to $39.99, GTA 4 to $5.99 ($4.79 on PS Plus) as well as a handful of other PS3 and PSP games in the series ranging from $5.99 each ($4.79 for PS Plus) to $2.99 each ($2.39 on PS Plus). Lastly, the first two games in the BioShock series will also be $9.99 ($5 for PS Plus members) March 25 through March 31. Those games are joined by BioShock Infinite's Burial at Sea Episode 1 DLC for $10.40 ($7.34 on PS Plus) as well as Columbia's Finest Pack and Clash in the Clouds for $3.49 each ($2.44 on PS Plus).

Irrational Games says 1998 mode was borne from the testing phase where developers were self-imposing non-lethal playthroughs; the titular date is a callback to the original Thief game (nice timing!) and places "a focus on balance and stealth mechanics," says Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games. Burial at Sea - Episode 2 launches on March 25.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1998-modebioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 27 Feb 2014 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/destiny-monaco-bioshock-infinite-talks-round-out-gdc-2014-pane/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/destiny-monaco-bioshock-infinite-talks-round-out-gdc-2014-pane/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/19/destiny-monaco-bioshock-infinite-talks-round-out-gdc-2014-pane/#comments
Interesting art talks looking at character customization and animation workflow for Destinywill be hosted by Bungie at this year's Game Developers Conference, which goes down in San Francisco next month. Irrational Games (what's left of it, anyway) will provide a breakdown of how Elizabeth's AI-controlled movements were created for BioShock Infinite and a panel from Monaco designer Andy Nguyen will address how developer Pocketwatch Games completely streamlined its game post-launch after poring over player data.

If you've ever wondered how Bethesda created your favorite dungeons in Skyrim and Fallout 3, a panel on iterative level design will attempt to provide insight. A panel from two-man team Vlambeer will offer a behind-the-curtain look at the life of Nuclear Throne, which went from game jam prototype to early access offering and, later this year, full product launch. Another potentially interesting talk, headed up by Sean Vanaman, may finally give us our first glimpse at what Campo Santo is working on.

These are just a handful of the dozens of interesting engagements going down at this year's GDC, held in San Francisco from March 17 - 21, 2014. A full list of the panels and workshops have been published online for all attendees - if you're interested in attending, you can purchase passes through GDC's website.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidbioshock-infinitecampo-santodestinygdc-2014indieiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilemonaconintendonuclear-thronepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitavlambeerwii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 19 Feb 2014 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/irrational-jobs-career-outreach-forms-in-the-wake-of-bioshock/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/irrational-jobs-career-outreach-forms-in-the-wake-of-bioshock/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/irrational-jobs-career-outreach-forms-in-the-wake-of-bioshock/#comments
Immediately following todays' announcement that Irrational Games is winding down to just 15 employees, the hashtag "#IrrationalJobs" sprung up on Twitter to assist developers in finding new jobs. A similar, immediate outreach happened in the wake of 38 Studios' closure in May 2012.

While the hashtag is currently in its infancy, it's accompanied by a link to a Google Doc full of opportunities for the studio's exiting developers. As Irrational Games Co-Founder Ken Levine noted in today's announcement, third-party developers and publishers should email chris.bigelow@2k.com directly with any interest in interviewing the departing employees.

With any luck, the social media outreach, Irrational Games-hosted recruiting day and third-party developer interest will provide the BioShock developer's outgoing staff with enough opportunities to make their transitions seamless.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitecareersIrrationalIrrational-GamesjobsKen-LevinelayoffsoutreachtwitterTue, 18 Feb 2014 13:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/layoffs-cutting-irrational-games-down-to-a-team-of-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/layoffs-cutting-irrational-games-down-to-a-team-of-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/layoffs-cutting-irrational-games-down-to-a-team-of-15/#comments
BioShock developer Irrational Games is being cut down to a team of 15, Co-Founder Ken Levine revealed in an update on the studio's website. The developer was sitting strong at 200 employees fewer than two years ago.

"I am winding down Irrational Games as you know it. I'll be starting a smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two. That is going to mean parting ways with all but about fifteen members of the Irrational team," Levine wrote. "There's no great way to lay people off, and our first concern is to make sure that the people who are leaving have as much support as we can give them during this transition."

Levine says that current staff will "have access to the studio for a period of time to say their goodbyes and put together their portfolios," and that other Take-Two studios will be available to "discuss opportunities within the company." Third-party developers and publishers will be able to participate in a "recruiting day" hosted by Irrational Games, offering outgoing employees interviews for other positions.

Irrational's goal moving forward is "to make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable." Additionally, Levine says the developer will move into the digital space exclusively to "foster the most direct relationship with our fans possible."

Irrational's latest game is BioShock Infinite, which will receive its Burial At Sea Episode 2 DLC on March 25. Levine says that while he's "handing the reins of our creation, the BioShock universe, to 2K so our new venture can focus entirely on replayable narrative," he's hoping the developer will "build something half as memorable as BioShock."

Ken Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games, believes Burial at Sea Part Two will provide players "a sense of completeness" that they "really haven't had in a BioShock game before." For the DLC's voice actors, it's all about fresh perspective on established characters.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 12 Feb 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/bioshock-infinite-and-skyrim-borderlands-2-and-dishonored-retai/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/bioshock-infinite-and-skyrim-borderlands-2-and-dishonored-retai/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/11/bioshock-infinite-and-skyrim-borderlands-2-and-dishonored-retai/#comments
Bethesda has launched a pair of multiplatform retail bundles collecting many of its best-reviewed games from recent years, including BioShock Infinite, Borderlands 2, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.

Bethesda's first "Award Winning Games" bundle includes Gearbox's first-person loot-'em-up Borderlands 2 and Arkane Studios' stealth-action game Dishonored. Today's second retail compilation offers up BioShock Infinite and Skyrim, with a bonus copy of the original BioShock thrown in to sweeten the deal.

The two bundles are available for Windows PC, in addition to previously announced Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions. Each package is priced at $29.99.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesarkane-studiosbioshockbioshock-infiniteborderlands-2bundlecompilationdishonoredirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxTue, 11 Feb 2014 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-surfaces-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-surfaces-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-surfaces-next-month/#commentsBioShock Infinite plunges into the second episode of its DLC campaign Burial at Sea on March 25, a worldwide release date that's confirmed for Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows PC. The game's third major DLC will be priced $15, or you can get it via the $20 season pass that also covers the previous two add-ons.

The news comes shortly after series creator Ken Levine revealed the second episode will last around "five, maybe six hours." As we noted in our spoiler-coated review, the first episode of the single-player campaign takes around two hours to complete.

Talking of spoilers, there's a rather large one given away by a newly released Episode 2 screenshot - we'll just link to it here. Now it's up to you to keep your hands over your eyes and ears for the next seven or so weeks.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-datesteamtake-twoTake-Two-Interactivexblmxboxxbox-games-storeWed, 05 Feb 2014 08:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-trailer-sits-down-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-trailer-sits-down-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/28/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-episode-2-trailer-sits-down-for/#comments
No surprises here: Spoilers Ahoy in this trailer for the third piece of DLC for BioShock Infinite, Burial at Sea Episode 2. Sadly, no spoilers on its release date, simply listed as "coming soon" in the video. The DLC follows on from the sea-bound episode released back in October.

The second episode is expected to be priced $15 like the first, which owners of the $20 season pass don't have to pay.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 28 Jan 2014 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/bioshock-infinite-on-sale-for-10-on-pc-and-mac-20-on-ps3-thro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/bioshock-infinite-on-sale-for-10-on-pc-and-mac-20-on-ps3-thro/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/bioshock-infinite-on-sale-for-10-on-pc-and-mac-20-on-ps3-thro/#comments
The PC and Mac versions of BioShock Infinite are currently discounted to $10 on Amazon, $20 off the game's list price. The sale price applies to both digital and boxed versions of the game.

Additionally, players can pick up the PS3 version for $20 on the retailer's site. Of course, BioShock Infinite is free for PlayStation Plus members on PS3 this month, so those looking to check the game out at a discount may be better off picking up a three-month subscription at the standard rate of $17.99.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitediscountIrrational-Gamesmacpcplaystationps3saleMon, 27 Jan 2014 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/ps-plus-europe-in-february-outlast-metro-last-light-bioshock/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/ps-plus-europe-in-february-outlast-metro-last-light-bioshock/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/ps-plus-europe-in-february-outlast-metro-last-light-bioshock/#comments
February. The month of Valentine's Day. It conjures images of chocolate, flowers, Hallmark cards and, if you're a PlayStation Plus member living in Europe, a lot of pants-wetting terror. Sony has revealed the February freebies for Europe's PS Plus members, and if it's scares and depression you're looking for on V-Day - and really, who isn't - Sony has you covered.

Lastly, PS4 owners will get their chance to explore Mount Massive Asylum as journalist and all-around unlucky fellow Miles Upshur in Outlast. It should be noted however that Outlast will not be available in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, India or Turkey, and the game is still awaiting classification by German and Australian ratings boards.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitedynasty-warriors-nexteuropemetro-last-lightmodnation-racers-road-tripoutlastplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitaWed, 22 Jan 2014 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/the-last-of-us-leads-2014-dice-awards-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/the-last-of-us-leads-2014-dice-awards-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/the-last-of-us-leads-2014-dice-awards-nominations/#comments
Nominations for the 17th Annual DICE Awards are led by The Last of Us, which received 13 total nods. The peer-based video game awards hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences spans 24 categories and recognized 61 separate games this year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesAIASassassins-creed-4-black-flagawardsbioshock-infinitedice-2014dice-awardsdice-summitgotygrand-theft-auto-5the-last-of-usthe-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worldsThu, 16 Jan 2014 21:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/bioshock-infinite-free-for-ps-plus-members-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/bioshock-infinite-free-for-ps-plus-members-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/13/bioshock-infinite-free-for-ps-plus-members-tomorrow/#commentsBioShock Infinite will be available to download on PS3 tomorrow, and it'll be completely free for PS Plus members as part of the Instant Game Collection. That's a hefty freebie.

The 14 for 14 Vita and PS3 sale is also happening now, with games up to 75 percent off for Plus members, including Crysis 3 for $5, Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut (a Cross Buy title) for $5.25, Puppeteer for $7 and The Wolf Among Us season pass for $13.50.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteinstant-game-collectionplaystationplaystation-plusplusps-plusps3Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2013/#commentsJoystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2013 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is this year's Far Cry 3, which coincidentally happened to be my top game for Best of the Rest in 2012. Both games launched so late in the year and were saddled with incorrect expectations that it wasn't until folks actually played it en masse that the word on the street began to turn. It turned too late, once again, as is the case with Black Flag, which does feature the same incoherent storytelling that made Assassin's Creed 3 such an abomination, but finds redemption in what AC3 was lacking: a game.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag has that element I define in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood - which up to this point was my favorite installment of the franchise - as ABD (Always Be Doing!). Snap your fingers and there's another thing to grab or stab in Black Flag. Add to that the fuller realization of the sailing mechanics introduced in the previous game and Black Flag is primed to be a full-blown pirate spin-off. Black Flag is Sid Meier's Pirates! for a new generation and I certainly hope this isn't the last we see of it. What hurt Black Flag were the Assassin's Creed tropes, and it would be best for both to sail in separate directions from here.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-4-black-flagbest-of-the-rest-2013bioshock-infinitecard-hunterdont-starveinjustice-gods-among-usjoystiq-best-of-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3rogue-legacyxboxFri, 03 Jan 2014 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jess-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jess-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-jess-picks-of-2013/#commentsTeam Joystiq is barging into 2014 with a celebration of last year's best games. Keep reading throughout the week to see our assembly of ingenious indies and triple-A triumphs.

I have a pre-existing penchant for human skulls as decoration, so maybe that's why Skulls of the Shogun still resonates so deeply with me, despite it launching way back at the beginning of the year - before GDC, before E3, before Gamescom, before the reveals and launches of two next-gen consoles, before the holiday madness. Through all of that, Skulls of the Shogun remains a purely joyful, fun strategy game, complete with morbid humor, accessible mechanics and a lovely Saturday-morning cartoon style. Developer 17-Bit has a precise hand, and the team's attention to detail and flow makes Skulls of the Shogun sing across platforms: Xbox 360, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Steam and iOS.

Skulls of the Shogun started the year off in the right way for me, so it's fitting to give it another nod at the end of 2013. Cheers, skull-chewers.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleblock-theaterbest-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2013bioshock-infinitecharlie-murderdmc-devil-may-crydont-starveiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2013kentucky-route-zeromacmicrosoftmobilemonacooutlastpapers-pleasepcpottermoreskulls-of-the-shogunthe-walking-deadxboxFri, 03 Jan 2014 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-xavs-picks-of-2013/#commentsTeam Joystiq is barging into 2014 with a celebration of last year's best games. Keep reading throughout the week to see our assembly of ingenious indies and triple-A triumphs.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist was my Game of the Year for 2013. It's hard to name another game that offers so many different experiences in one box as Blacklist, and even more arduous to name those that have hit the nail so squarely on the head as Ubisoft Toronto (and others) did with Sam Fisher's latest escapade. For franchise fanatics - of which I am one - Blacklist delivered an explosive concoction of everything: the exemplary action of Conviction, the tense stealth of Chaos Theory, and the sublime multiplayer of Pandora Tomorrow.

Though its action-movie storytelling can't compete with the likes of other narrative successes launched this year, Blacklist continually entertains throughout its campaign. Its co-op modes are outstanding and its competitive multiplayer is frantic. It's gorgeous, addictive, and, for all these reasons and more, it's my favorite game of the year.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMA-3Best-of-the-rest-2013BioShock-InfiniteDead-Rising-3EVE-OnlineGrand-Theft-Auto-5Gunpointiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2013macmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemicrosoftmobilenintendoPapers-Pleasepcplaystationps3ps4Splinter-Cell-BlacklistThe-Room-2the-walking-deadthe-walking-dead-400-daysthe-walking-dead-season-2the-walking-dead-season-twowii-uxboxxbox-oneFri, 03 Jan 2014 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/03/best-of-the-rest-sinans-picks-of-2013/#commentsTeam Joystiq is barging into 2014 with a celebration of last year's best games. Keep reading throughout the week to see our assembly of ingenious indies and triple-A triumphs.

It's still hard to believe that Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon exists, and perhaps that's why this standalone expansion is so great. Who'd have thought Ubisoft had it in them to greenlight a Far Cry 3 reskin that traded the 2012 game's colorful jungle and wicked undertones for 1980s neon, Michael Biehn, and dinosaurs shooting lasers out of their eyes?

Not only does it provide a wonderfully excessive version of Far Cry 3's open-island action, but with its dumb humor and loving pastiches Blood Dragon crams an impressive number of standout moments into one bite-sized package; this passage of play (spoiler warning!) is without doubt one of my favorite moments from any game in 2013.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-of-the-rest-2013bioshock-infinitefar-cry-3-blood-dragonguacameleejoystiq-best-of-2013macmicrosoftni-no-kuninintendopcpersona-4Persona-4-Goldenplaystationplaystation-vitapokemon-x-yps3psnvitaxblaxboxFri, 03 Jan 2014 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/26/ps-plus-in-january-dont-starve-bioshock-infinite-brothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/26/ps-plus-in-january-dont-starve-bioshock-infinite-brothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/26/ps-plus-in-january-dont-starve-bioshock-infinite-brothers/#comments
The January freebies for PlayStation Plus have just been revealed and it's quite the eclectic mix. Next week, PS4 owners will be able to partake in Klei's survival simulator Don't Starve, a game about scrounging for supplies and surviving for just one more night in a hostile environment.

On PS3, will offer three separate free downloads in January: BioShock Infinite, DmC: Devil May Cry and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. BioShock Infinite, which takes place in the floating city of Columbia during 1912, is the latest first-person opus from Ken Levine and Irrational Games, while DmC: Devil May Cry is Ninja Theory's reboot of Capcom's devil hunter action series. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, the story of two young brothers on a quest to obtain medicine for their sick father, is from Starbreeze Studios.

Finally, rounding out next month's downloads are two PS Vita offerings: Smart As... and Worms: Battle Islands. The former is a brain training game while the latter is another entry in Team17's long-running Worms franchise.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitebrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsdmc-devil-may-crydont-starveplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps-plusps3ps4smart-asvitaworms-battle-islandsThu, 26 Dec 2013 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/steam-kicks-off-holiday-sale-with-bioshock-batman-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/steam-kicks-off-holiday-sale-with-bioshock-batman-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/steam-kicks-off-holiday-sale-with-bioshock-batman-more/#comments
It's that time of year again, boys and girls. No, not time to express your love for the people who raised you, but instead, it's time for Steam's holiday sale.

This year's sale runs from December 19 to January 3 and as in previous iterations, it offers a wide swath of discounts. First, there are the daily discounts, which collect a handful of games and slash their prices. At the moment, you could pick up BioShock Infinite for $10 or Batman: Arkham Origins for $25.

Then there are the Flash sales, which usually offer larger discounts than the daily discounts, though they only appear for eight hours. Right now you could pick up Counter-Strike: Global Offensive for $3.74, but eight hours from now you'll be out of luck.

Not just a sale, Steam's holiday celebration is also a community event. Every eight hours three games will be offered up for the community to vote on. Whichever receives the most votes gets a deep, public discount. Voting also entitles you to one free Snow Globe card with which can unlock rare items in Steam games such as Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2. Or you could simply horde your cards until you have enough to craft the Snow Globe 2013 badge. This won't help you in-game, but it's a nice reminder of how you spent this year's holiday season.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originsbioshock-infinitediscountdota-2macpcsalesteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2013Team-Fortress-2valvevalve-softwareThu, 19 Dec 2013 13:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/07/spike-vgx-2013-winners/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/07/spike-vgx-2013-winners/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/07/spike-vgx-2013-winners/#comments
The winners of the 2013 Spike VGX awards have been announced, and we've got them all compiled here for your viewing pleasure. Waiting to see who took home Best Studio, Best Character, Game of the Year and more? Well wait no more! Envelope, please. These are the winners that were announced during the VGX 2013 awards show:

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-4-black-flagawardsbioshock-infinitegone-homegrand-theft-auto-5naughty-dognba-2k14spike-vgx-2013vgx-2013Sat, 07 Dec 2013 21:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/06/steam-sale-serves-up-vgx-nominees-for-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/06/steam-sale-serves-up-vgx-nominees-for-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/06/steam-sale-serves-up-vgx-nominees-for-cheap/#comments
Tomorrow is Spike's annual video game awards, dubbed VGX this year. In celebration of the various nominees, Steam is running a special promotion full of tempting deals.

The VGX live show kicks off tomorrow at 6pm ET (3pm PT, 11pm British) on Spike TV and via online streaming. We've already stocked up on Doritos and Mountain Dew in preparation for the show, and will be covering it in full through a live blog and posts surrounding the major announcements. Feel free to join us for the festivities!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteblack-friday-2013gameflypayday-2pcsaints-row-4Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/kindly-watch-this-bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-1-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/kindly-watch-this-bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-1-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/kindly-watch-this-bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-1-traile/#comments
Take heed, citizen: There are spoilers lurking in this launch trailer for the first part of BioShock Infinite's Burial At Sea DLC, as there are in our review of it. To give you the lowdown, Richard thought it was "aggressive, salty and often clumsy" and "all too brief."

You can try it out for yourself starting today on the Xbox Games Store, PlayStation Network, and Windows PCs, where it's priced at $15. It's also available via the $20 Season Pass, which includes access to the already released Clash in the Clouds arena pack, the Early Bird Special Pack, and the upcoming second Burial at Sea episode.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteburial-at-seaIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Nov 2013 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-one-review-c0a1d908/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-one-review-c0a1d908/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/11/bioshock-infinite-burial-at-sea-part-one-review-c0a1d908/#commentsThis is a review of downloadable content for BioShock Infinite. As such, it may contain spoilers for the main campaign.

Ham-fisted is one of my favorite expressions. As a term meaning awkward or graceless, it's wonderfully evocative. You can easily imagine someone desperately trying to shove a ham somewhere it was never meant to go, perhaps into a Volkswagen's gas tank. Or you might picture a fist literally made of ham: two indelicate things, indelicately smashed together

It's also a good fit for the first episode of BioShock Infinite's 'Burial at Sea' DLC, which is aggressive, salty and often clumsy.

Previously featured in BioShock and BioShock 2, the weapon wheel pauses in-game action while players select from an arsenal of available firearms and abilities. BioShock Infinite ditched the mechanic in favor of a new system that limited players to two equipped weapons at any given time.

Gonzales notes that the wheel mechanic will make its return alongside new plasmids and weapons exclusive to the Infinite's Burial at Sea chapters.

"I can tell you that for Burial at Sea: Episode 1 we added new weapon, a new Plasmid, new Gear, Tears and we brought back the weapon wheel," Gonzalez said. "As far as upgrades go, there are upgrades available for Plasmids and you can upgrade the new weapon."